5 Things To Look For When Buying A House

Purchasing a house is a huge step in an adult’s life. It is a huge investment and moving in will definitely change one’s current lifestyle. This is why it is important to be careful when buying a property. There are several important considerations to take into account if you wish to find the perfect house and have a trouble-free time living there. It is important to know several things as you might miss out on a great deal if you don’t know where to check or what to look for.

There are several factors you must keep in mind even when you hire the services of reputable real estate offices like Gloria Nilson & Co Real Estate. Here are some pointers to remember when you are on the market for a new home:

Focus on the foundation

Upon stepping into the prospective property, your focus should be on the structural qualities. Do not pay much attention to the décor, the paint job, or other superficial features. Instead, direct your attention to things like the quality of the appliances, the presence of loose wires, and the status of the roof. Even when the paint begins to chip, the foundation will remain!

Examine the land and the surroundings

There is more to a property than the building standing on it. You must also inspect the area surrounding it. Make sure to do your homework and research if the neighborhood is prone to wildfires, flooding, or earthquakes. It is also wise to check if the driveway is shared by someone else or if the fences have been built and positioned correctly. Neglecting these and the property might end up costing you a lot more than you initially thought!

Take note of the direction of the house

The direction the house faces might not make much of a difference on some days. However, you most likely want a house full of warm and light whenever possible. Dim lighting will affect the atmosphere of your home as well as the disposition of the people living in it. This is also especially important if you are planning on keeping indoor plants. Take a manual compass or get a compass app for your phone when you view the property.

Check out the plumbing

For most people, the kitchen and the bathroom will make or break a deal. Rightly so! When you are inspecting these areas, it is especially important to take a good, long look at the pipes. There should be no leaks, mold, and water damage there. Mold is especially important as it can be the source of health problems. Moreover, plumbing work can be expensive to fix so take note of what you find down there.

Try out everything

We mean this quite literally. There is no need to feel shy about getting your hands on everything you can see. Feel free to flip on the light switch, test the faucets, and flush the water closet. Open and close the windows and doors as you wish. Remember, houses cost a lot of money and it is your right as a prospective buyer to see if everything is in working condition.

According to the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents, just about every house on the market comes with defects. Some will be obvious and major ones, others less so. Regardless, it is important to know what you are getting into before you shell out your hard-earned money. Doing this will prepare you for any future repair costs as well as let you negotiate the price with the owner!